Dubai: Cricket’s evolution has taken a dramatic new turn with the unveiling of Test Twenty, an 80-over format designed to fuse the strategic intensity of Test cricket with the fast-paced excitement of T20.

Conceived by sports entrepreneur Gaurav Bahirvani, Executive Chairman of the One One Six Network, Test Twenty is being positioned as the sport’s “Fourth Format” — a one-day spectacle aimed at discovering and nurturing the next generation of cricketing talent

Imagining the Game’s DNA

Played over two innings of 20 overs per side, Test Twenty® keeps the classical results , win, loss, tie, or draw but compresses the game into a broadcast-friendly format without sacrificing depth.

“This isn’t another league, it’s a living tribute to the spirit of cricket,” said Bahirvani. “Test Twenty preserves the game’s legacy while shaping its future.”

Legends Back the Vision

The format’s advisory board reads like a Hall of Fame lineup, AB de Villiers, Sir Clive Lloyd, Matthew Hayden, and Harbhajan Singh , each lending their voice to this landmark initiative.

De Villiers called the format “innovation with intent — a new dream for players and fans alike.”

Lloyd said it “restores the art and rhythm of the game while keeping it alive with modern energy.”
Hayden described it as “a bridge between generations,” while Harbhajan Singh said, “Cricket needed a fresh heartbeat — Test Twenty® does exactly that.”

Supporting Bahirvani operationally is Michael Fordham, former CEO of Rajasthan Royals, who joins as Chief Operating Officer.

A Global Movement for Young Talent

More than just a format, Test Twenty aims to become a global ecosystem for players aged 13–19, using data and technology to identify and elevate young talent. The Junior Test Twenty Championship (JTTC) will span more than 50 nations, offering a structured pathway from grassroots to professional cricket.

“Our mission is to build the NCAA equivalent for cricket , a merit-based feeder system that empowers young talent everywhere,” Bahirvani explained.

Where Technology Meets Tradition

At the core of the platform is a proprietary AI Discovery Engine, which employs video analytics, motion sensors, and data science to deliver objective player assessments. Through partnerships with cricket boards and academies worldwide, the technology will drive transparent and bias-free talent discovery.

First Season to Debut in January 2026

The inaugural Test Twenty season is set to launch in January 2026, with six franchises — three in India and three international (Dubai, London, and a U.S. city). Each team will feature eight Indian and eight international players, showcasing a mix of cultural diversity and cricketing skill.

Registration for aspiring players aged 13–19 opens today at 7:00 PM IST via http://www.testwenty.com/register

Cricket Leaders Endorse the Vision

Former BCCI Secretary Niranjan Shah described Test Twenty® as “a defining step in cricket’s story — a visionary bridge between tradition and modernity.”
1983 World Cup winner Madan Lal added: “This platform is exactly what the next generation needs — it connects grassroots talent with the global stage"